Single Parents?

darkeyedgirlApril 2, 2003

I'd like to start a little thread about single parenting. I know I'm not the only one in this forum... so start spilling!

I have one child, age 6, girl named Emily Rose. I would have loved to had just one more child but it was not possible due to health reasons. So my daughter has cats and a dog as "siblings". I prefer dating men who have kids. There is something so utterly loving about a man who will use his T-shirt to wipe his kid's nose and think nothing of it!

What issues have you found in the dating scene, as a single parent?

Have you given up hope to finding someone for yourself, a mate, friend, companion, lover?

Would you prefer to let your child pick your next relationship (if they are old enough), or would you just rather be alone and/or date without the child involved?

Single mom to Daniel, age 12, and Alice, age 10. Haven't dated even once since the demise of my marriage. I do find that most men my age have grown children and aren't all that interested in the youngins. I got a late start.

I can't imagine including my children in my dating life should I ever have one. They really wouldn't want to be involved or know anything about it. They have a great dad who is very involved in their lives.

To quote George Costanza, the character on "Seinfeld": "I can't imagine a scenario in which I will ever have sex again."

Single mom to Mara, age 12, and Kayle, age 9. I've "dated" very infrequently since my divorce. It's seldom because my non-work hours are spent with them (taking them to music, gymnastics, school functions) or with other family members. I'm just not meeting single guys that are in their late 30s or even early to mid 40s. All the men I'm around are usually married.

Eileen, you're very lucky that your kids dad is involved in their lives. Unfortunately (or maybe not), my kids dad is not in their lives. He hasn't seen or spoken to them since Christmas '97. I've actually had guys apologize for my ex.

I'm actually much happier being alone with the girls than I was married to my ex. I think one reason is that my mom raised both my sister & I to be very strong women. Not feminist, but just strong & resilient.

Another thing for me is that I don't want to get married again just to provide a dad to them (although my 85 yr old grandmother would). They do need strong male role models, but luckily my dad & BIL have been outstanding.

The last time I did date (one of my old friends from college) the girls were ready for me to marry him & everything. They both really liked him. We'd plan things to do both with just the 2 of us & all four of us. When/if I do date again, I'd like it to be the same kind of involvement.

I haven't given up, but I'm not out there pounding the pavement either. I'm optimistic, but I know that I'll be happy within myself if I don't. Hope that makes sense. :) Sorry, didn't realize how LONG that was....